How to Remove a Virus

Recently, a Facebook user asked about how to remove a virus from their computer.

I am having a little issue with my computer and I thought you might could give me some insight. I openned a e-mail from a friend only to find out it was a virus called Personal Security. I couldn’t get rid of it, so, a friend told me to do a system restore. I did and it did go away. My question to you is, is it possible that it is not truly gone only overridden? I’m not too computer savy but one guy told me he could fix it for $50-75. I am trying to avoid that!!! If you would not mind giving me your opinion on my situation.

Here is my response:

Actually, I prefer to do technical support on my tech website at https://bishoptec.com That way others can read and benefit from the discussion. However, I will make an exception.

Just doing a system restore is not likely to have removed the virus. If you are experiencing symptoms similar to when the virus was active then it probably is still active. Note: The reasons that a system restore may not work are:

You may have restored with a copy of the system that was also infected,

The system restore does NOT restore every file on your computer so you may not have overwritten the virus,

Malicious software (including virus) generally has a way to protect its self from simple & easy removal and/or

The virus probably was written to the boot sector which is not restored with a system restore.

You need an UPDATED, quality anti-virus program. If you do not have one (evidently you do not), Avast offers a version of its software for FREE to home users. (It will install and work for a month or two without any further registration.) You should follow their instructions to get the registration code [free] in order to keep the software working after the demo period.

Visit http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html to download the HOME edition of the software and then install it. Immediately after installation, allow the software to download all of its updates BEFORE you scan your system. After it is updated, do a FULL scan (may take a long time) and allow the software to make any changes that it suggests.

After it finds and removes the virus you should be fine. However, I would then go back and reinstall Windows (from your original disks) and allow Windows to update its self. Re-install Avast again, then add your other programs back. It is a long tiresome project but your computer will run like it did when it was new!

When you get your computer back to work, why don’t you share your story on my website? That way, others can benefit.

That info was just a response from my memory. Later, I re-read the post and saw the “Personal Security” note. I searched the Internet and found some other advice specifically about this piece of malware (malicious software).

Here are a couple of links that include a link to download software SPECIFICALLY designed to remove the “Personal Security” malware:

Like this:

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2 Responses to How to Remove a Virus

Hi Bro. Ray, Sorry it took me so long to respond to your post. My computer is working o.k. now. I did have a little problem when I downloaded the Avast, I could not access my e-mail account, but was able to delete the program and go back and re-install. It is working fine now. However, after the scan there was something that it could not heal. When I have more time I'll let you know exactly what it is. Thank you so much for your time and patience. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. God Bless..

Hi Bro. Ray, Sorry it took me so long to respond to your post. My computer is working o.k. now. I did have a little problem when I downloaded the Avast, I could not access my e-mail account, but was able to delete the program and go back and re-install. It is working fine now. However, after the scan there was something that it could not heal. When I have more time I'll let you know exactly what it is. Thank you so much for your time and patience. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. God Bless..